Risk of developing acute kidney injury in patients undergoing contrast-enhanced MRI

Risk of developing acute kidney injury in patients undergoing contrast enhanced MRI AIM: The development of contrast-induced nephropathy is still a serious problem. Gadolinium-induced rare skin fibrosis rarely develops. However, the frequency of Gadolinium-induced acute kidney injury (GAKI) is still a matter of debate. The aim of this study is to investigate the incidence and risk factors of Gadolinium-induced AKI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The files of all patients who underwent contrast enhanced MRI at Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients' age, gender, concomitant disease, renal function tests and other biochemical parameters on the day of MRI or within the last 48-72 hours were recorded. Patients with control renal functions within at least 72 hours-14 days of MRI were included. RESULTS: 503 patients were included in our study. When the demographic characteristics were examined, the mean age was found to be 60.88±16.83 years. The median age of the patients was 60 years and 61.5% (n=304) were male. Significant increases in post-contrast serum urea and creatinine values and significant decreases in e-GFR were recorded (p=0.001). The frequency of GABH was found to be 16.5% (n=83). In addition, significant decreases in hemoglobin and hemocrit levels and significant increases in platelet count were recorded (p=0.010, 0.037 and 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: In our study, we showed that AKI may develop in patients without kidney disease who underwent contrast-enhanced MRI. It is important to monitor kidney function tests after gadolinium exposure, especially in patients with GABK risk factors. Keywords: Acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, gadolinium, magnetic resonance imaging